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Anatomy & Physiology: Introduction to the Human Body

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What is Anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the structure of body parts and their relationships to one another.

  • What is Physiology?

    Physiology is the study of the function of the body and how body parts work to carry out life-sustaining activities.

  • What does the principle 'Form determines Function' mean?

    The structure (form) of a body part determines its function. Anatomy and physiology are inseparable because function always reflects structure.

  • What is the principle of Complementarity of Structure and Function?

    It states that the function of a body part depends on its specific form, e.g., incisors cut food while molars grind food.

  • Why do we need reference values or standards in anatomy and physiology?

    Reference values provide a standard for comparison, typically based on a healthy young male or female of average weight.

  • What is Anatomical Variability?

    Humans vary slightly in external and internal anatomy; over 90% match textbook descriptions but some nerves, vessels, or muscles may differ.

  • Name the four ways to investigate or look at the body in anatomy.

    Gross anatomy, Regional anatomy, Systems anatomy, and Surface anatomy.

  • What are the four basic methods of clinical examination (IPPA)?

    Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation.

  • What is the role of Medical Imaging in anatomy?

    Medical imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRI, CT) allows visualization of internal body structures not visible to the naked eye.

  • What are the subdivisions of Microscopic Anatomy?

    Cytology (study of cells) and Histology (study of tissues).

  • What are some subdivisions of Physiology?

    Renal physiology, Neurophysiology, Cardiovascular physiology, often focusing on cellular or molecular levels.

  • List the levels of structural organization in the human body from simplest to most complex.

    Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, Organismal levels.

  • How many organ systems are in the human body and name three major ones.

    There are 11 organ systems; examples include Integumentary, Skeletal, and Muscular systems.

  • What is the major function of the Integumentary system?

    Protection of the body and maintenance of homeostasis.

  • What is the major function of the Skeletal system?

    Support, protection, movement, mineral storage, and blood cell production.

  • What is the major function of the Muscular system?

    Produces movement, maintains posture, and generates heat.

  • What is the major function of the Nervous system?

    Controls and coordinates body functions and responses to stimuli.

  • What are the necessary life functions of the human body?

    Maintain boundaries, movement, responsiveness, digestion, metabolism, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

  • What are the five survival needs of the human body?

    Nutrients, oxygen, water, normal body temperature, and appropriate atmospheric pressure.

  • What is Homeostasis?

    The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes; a dynamic state of equilibrium.

  • What are the three components of homeostatic control?

    Receptor (sensor), Control center, and Effector.

  • What is Negative Feedback in homeostasis?

    A response that reduces or shuts off the original stimulus to maintain balance, e.g., regulation of body temperature.

  • What is Positive Feedback in homeostasis?

    A response that enhances or exaggerates the original stimulus, usually for infrequent events like labor contractions.

  • What is the Anatomical Position?

    Standard body position: erect, feet slightly apart, palms facing forward, thumbs pointing away from the body.

  • Define the directional term 'Superior'.

    Toward the head or upper part of a structure; above.

  • Define the directional term 'Inferior'.

    Away from the head or toward the lower part of a structure; below.

  • What are the three common body planes?

    Sagittal (divides body into right and left), Frontal (divides into front and back), and Transverse (divides into top and bottom).

  • What are the two main body cavities?

    Dorsal body cavity (cranial and vertebral) and Ventral body cavity (thoracic and abdominopelvic).

  • What is the function of serous membranes in the ventral body cavity?

    To reduce friction between organs and cavity walls as organs move.